The Bar at Migas

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

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Users say

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

A bona fide nightlife institution, this Spanish party bar offers something for everyone. Beijing’s nightlife scene wouldn’t be the same without its unparalleled rooftop, innovative cocktail menu (with some of the heftiest pours in town) and strong music programming.

There’s always something happening, from salsa Mondays and Ping-Pong Wednesdays to a great line-up of local and international DJs through the weekends, courtesy of music director Nic Shepherd (aka DJ Boflex). It’s the sort of place you can come for a quiet drink or party till sunrise. Your call.

Original review

Migas has been building quite a following since it opened in 2010; its rooftop bar, overlooking all of Nali Patio and beyond, became one of the smash hits of last summer. Unafraid of overreaching, Migas has now opened a new indoors bar downstairs, even adding an extension for that very purpose.

Good news, folks: it is a resounding success. The room is fairly spacious, with low seats around the edge for lounging along to the well-chosen music, and an interior that smacks of post-modern industrial chic, which basically means lots of exposed bricks, corrugated metal and bare concrete. In the centre of all this stands a bar built to resemble a beach shack – a nice touch that’s different enough to appeal without being too gimmicky. You could almost be at a relaxed beach bar – until you look out the window and see the neon glare of 3.3 and the pulsating pathos of Bar Street.

Bottles, including Asahi, Corona, Duvel and Kwak (30-50RMB), replace draught beer, while the cocktail list is an impressive mix of classics and new creations, with a few Migas specials thrown in too (55-70RMB). Wine ranges from 45-115RMB for a glass and 215RMB upwards for a bottle. Above all else, the aesthetics, atmosphere and execution of this bar work brilliantly. The only real question is why they didn’t launch this fun-loving place back at the beginning of the long, cold winter – and, perhaps, whether this bar will be able to avoid being overrun by poseurs and fools. Here’s hoping.